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Thursday, September 30, 2010

A friend sent this to me in an email, and it really touched my heart and soul. Funny thing is, before losing Eli, all this would have made me think about changing the way I live, but the silver lining to my cloud was that, unlike Erma Bombeck, I survived my pain, and I do live my life this way, for the most part, and that makes me proud. You almost never get another chance. Think about the way you see your own life as you read on...

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle..

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later... Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us...

Yesterday evening, the little men den (or little papa's house) was moved into the backyard for the kids to play in, now that it was nice and clean. It looks so stinkin' cute under the big maple tree out back.

The construction trucks were driving around all morning! I don't know what they were constructing except for a lot of noise as they went rumbling down the slides!

Evan finally has a friend that is close enough to his own weight to teeter-totter with. (And Ethan loved it, too!)

This morning was a morning for dumping anything they could find down the slides. :) I think this photo may have been pebbles...

My little monkey!

Our porch froggie moved around to the other side of the basket. he's so cute!!

Now we are napping until our doctor appointment at 2. Almost a week ago, Evan jumped off the couch and hurt his foot. We thought it may be just sore, but it hasn't gotten any better and the limping continues. :( Cross your fingers!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

It was fun dropping sister off at school in the long lines out front, though. We pointed out buses, trucks, and cars. All their colors, all sizes. To make up for our lost morning walk, Evan and I headed downtown to stroll the quiet streets before the shops open up and the hustle and bustle of shoppers filled the sidewalks.

This fountain has been here since I moved here in 1986. I remember playing all around it with my own mother, and it hasn't changed a bit. ﻿

Evan found this puppy at a shop, and clung on to it for dear life. He was showing "puppy" the water, and telling her how cold it was.

Brrr! It was cold!

This large wagon wheel made a perfect jungle gym for puppy. She was pushed through all the holes and back again. Evan was laughing so hard everytime she would plop onto the other side. :)

This park sign was perfect for tracing letters! The cutouts were just the size of his little fingertip, and he said each letter as he traced along inside it. Soooo cute!﻿

Sometimes I have to look at everything in a new way as a mom. I normally look past it, since I've seen it pass by for over 20 years. I guess that's one of the challenges of raising kids where you were raised.

This morning﻿ felt like every bit of fall. The air was chilly, we could even see our breath as we walked to the bus stop.

It was so cute to see my little ducklings all bundled in light jackets in lieu of bronze skinned arms, and their sandals and clogs have given way to tennies and wool lined Crocs.

As silly as it may seem, these mornings are the most important times for Evan and I. After kissing sister adieu before the bus drives her away to her world away from home, we walk slowly home. Sometimes hand in hand, sometimes jumping or skipping, sometimes singing, and sometimes in quiet stillness.

It's our special time together.

We say hello to our friends, the shadows, who walk along with us, peep back at the birds, who were probably curled up in their nests a little too long this brisk morning, and balance on curbs and cracks.

Today we found our coat pockets. His tiny little chilled hands cuddled inside his front pocket like kangaroo joeys, knocking him off balance a time or two, but new excitement nonetheless.

The spider we usually see wasn't there today, and there were more leaves on the ground than before. Fall is all around, we are welcoming it with open arms.

Now off to the porch for some warm cocoa and tea and we'll see what else fall has brought on this shivery, shadowy day.

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All written material and original photographs copyright Heidi E. Castro (c) 2008-2017. All rights reserved.

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